TKC Kiwi vs. Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear
An in-depth look at the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, the TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear offer two distinct typing experiences. The Kiwi switches are tactile, providing a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press. Known for their satisfyingly snappy sound profile, these switches deliver an immersive typing experience. Additionally, the Kiwi switches are lightly factory lubed, ensuring a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear switches are linear, offering a smooth and high-pitched typing experience. With a transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing, these switches allow for maximum RGB lighting customization. The POM stem is lightly lubed, further enhancing the smoothness of the keystrokes. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond these generalities so you can best decide on the ideal switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
43g
Actuation force
53g
Bottom-out force
67g
Bottom-out force
63.5g
Pre-travel
N/A
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Total travel
3.80 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
UHWMPE
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Bottom housing material
UHWMPE
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold coated spring
Spring
Double-staged stainless steel
Housing materials
The TKC Kiwi and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear differ in their housing materials, with the Kiwi featuring a UHWMPE top housing and the WS Aurora Clear utilizing a polycarbonate top housing. The UHWMPE top housing of the Kiwi creates a bright sound signature that offers resonant clacks, while the polycarbonate top housing of the WS Aurora Clear produces a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. Additionally, the translucency of the polycarbonate top housing is especially useful for showcasing RGB lighting. Despite these differences, both housings contribute to enhancing the sound experience when pressing down and releasing keys, with the bottom housing influencing the bottom-out sound and feel, while the top housing impacts the sound when letting go of a key.
In terms of their bottom housing, the Kiwi and the WS Aurora Clear share a similar material- UHWMPE. This newer material for switch housings brings a bright sound signature and offers resonant clacks when typing. Therefore, both switches showcase similar qualities when it comes to the bottom-out sound and feel when pressed down. However, it is important to note that if a switch has different top and bottom housings, the characteristics of each housing material will be divided between the top and bottom of the switch.
When comparing the overall performance of the housing materials, the TKC Kiwi excels in providing a bright sound signature with its UHWMPE top housing, which produces resonant clacks while offering a unique typing experience. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear with its polycarbonate top housing offers a sharper and crisper sound profile. The translucency of the polycarbonate also allows for a striking visual effect when coupled with RGB lighting. Both switch housing materials bring their own advantages and unique characteristics to the typing experience, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and desired sound profile when choosing between the Kiwi and the WS Aurora Clear.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, there are some notable similarities and differences. Both switches have a medium-heavy actuation force, making them suitable for individuals who prefer a satisfying keystroke feedback. The Kiwi has an actuation force of 43 grams, slightly lighter than the WS Aurora Clear's 53 grams. However, the bottom out force of the Kiwi is heavier at 67 grams compared to the WS Aurora Clear's 63.5 grams. This means that the Kiwi requires a slightly lighter touch to trigger a keystroke but provides a more substantial typing experience when fully pressed. For those seeking a lighter typing experience for extended periods, the Kiwi would be a better choice. On the other hand, if a stronger push feel is desirable, the WS Aurora Clear may be more suitable. Overall, both switches offer medium-heavy forces to cater to different personal preferences and typing styles.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distance of the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch, we can see that the Kiwi has a travel distance of 4 mm, while the WS Aurora Clear has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.8 mm. These differences may not seem significant, but they can have an impact on the typing or gaming experience.
The Kiwi's 4 mm travel distance is considered a more traditional option, offering a balance between depth and responsiveness. On the other hand, the WS Aurora Clear's 3.8 mm travel distance is slightly shallower, making it a popular choice among gamers who prioritize faster response times. With a shorter travel distance, the keystrokes can be registered quicker, enhancing the overall speed and agility in gaming scenarios.
However, it's important to note that shorter travel distances might feel more abrupt for some users who prefer a deeper and more satisfying keystroke. In such cases, the TKC Kiwi switch with its longer travel distance might be the preferred choice as it provides a greater sense of key travel and depth. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific requirements of the user.
Overall, both switches offer their own advantages, whether it's the more traditional and balanced travel distance of the Kiwi or the slightly shorter and more responsive travel distance of the WS Aurora Clear. Whichever switch you choose, you can expect a reliable and enjoyable typing or gaming experience, tailored to your personal preferences and needs.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
In this case, both switches are $8.00. As such, price can't serve as a tiebreaker when choosing between the Kiwi and WS Aurora Clear.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch is described as having a low-pitched sound profile. This means that these switches produce a more bass-heavy and mellow tone compared to higher-pitched switches. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as having a high-pitched sound. These switches produce a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. If you prefer a richer and bassier sound profile, the Kiwi would be a suitable choice. However, if you enjoy a sharper and more crisp sound, the WS Aurora Clear would be a better option. It is important to note that the sound of a switch can also be influenced by factors such as the keyboard board and keycaps used.
When it comes to feel, the TKC Kiwi tactile switch offers a stepped and accented tactile experience. Stepped switches provide a two-stage feel, with some pre-travel and/or post-travel. These switches have a medium to medium-strong bump at the top of each key press, providing a noticeable but not overwhelming tactility. Additionally, the polished finish and light factory lubing of the Kiwi switches ensure reduced friction and a smooth key travel, resulting in a sleek typing experience.
On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch is described as providing a buttery and mild typing experience. These switches offer a smooth and fluid keystroke, with a seamless and effortless sensation. The mild characteristics of the WS Aurora Clear switches make them approachable to most users, as they stand in a safe and middle-ground zone in terms of sound and feel. Similar to the Kiwi switches, the WS Aurora Clear switches also have a polished finish and light lubing, ensuring reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Considering all the available information, it is clear that the TKC Kiwi and Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switches offer different subjective qualities. The Kiwi switches have a low-pitched sound and a stepped and accented tactile feel, while the WS Aurora Clear switches have a high-pitched sound and a buttery and mild linear feel. Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose the switch that aligns with your desired typing experience. However, it is worth noting that both switches have polished finishes and light lubing, resulting in reduced friction and smooth key travel. Therefore, while the sound and feel may differ, you can expect similar results in terms of overall typing experience and smoothness.
Conclusion
To sum up, if you are looking for a tactile switch with a medium to medium-strong bump and a snappy sound profile, the TKC Kiwi switch would be an excellent choice. These switches offer a smooth and effortless typing experience right out of the box, thanks to their light factory lubing. In terms of sound, the Kiwi switch has a low-pitched and neutral profile, making it suitable for various typing environments. As for the feel, the Kiwi switch is described as stepped, accented, and polished, providing a mild tactile experience with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
On the other hand, if you prefer a linear switch with a smooth and high-pitched typing experience, the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear switch would be a great option. These switches are designed for maximum RGB lighting customization with their transparent polycarbonate top housing and UHMWPE bottom housing. The WS Aurora Clear switch features a POM stem that is lightly lubed, ensuring minimal friction and a satisfyingly smooth keystroke. In terms of sound, the WS Aurora Clear switch boasts a high-pitched profile, which produces a sharp and crisp sound when pressed. In terms of feel, it is described as buttery, mild, and polished, offering a seamless and uniform typing sensation with reduced friction and smooth key travel.
Ultimately, your choice between the TKC Kiwi tactile switch and the Wuque Studio WS Aurora Clear linear switch will depend on your preferences for bump, sound, and typing experience. Consider whether you prefer a tactile or linear switch, the level of bump or pitch you desire, and the smoothness and friction reduction of the switch. Both switches offer unique qualities that can enhance your typing experience, so choose the one that aligns with your specific requirements.
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